Press release —
MP cuts the ribbon to mark official re-opening of Stirling Post Office at new location
Chris Kane MP for Stirling and Strathallan has “cut the ribbon” (25/8) to mark the official opening of Stirling Post Office, which has quickly restored a branch to the city centre with a very experienced postmaster.
Stirling Post Office has opened at a new location - Saras Stationery and Gifts, 15 Dumbarton Road, Stirling, FK8 2LQ. This is a brand-new shop, which underwent a full refurbishment to also incorporate a stationery, cards, gifts and printing services store.
This has restored Post Office services to the community after the TG Jones store, where the branch had been based at the Thistle Centre, closed in July.
Hithendra Cheetirala, who has run branches since 2015, is Stirling’s new postmaster. He was also one of the first postmaster directors for Post Office between 2021 – 24. He now has six Post Offices (Falkirk Alloa, Motherwell, Cowdenbeath and Great Junction Street in Edinburgh) and three banking hubs. Experienced staff have transferred to Stirling.
Chris Kane MP said: ““Having Post Office services is vital for local businesses and constituents so when it was announced the local branch was closing it was feared that we would be left without a much-needed branch for some time. I really want to thank postmaster Hithendra Cheetirala and Post Office for pulling out the stops to quickly get this branch open. I’m delighted to be here today to perform the official opening of this wonderful new Post Office and shop at the heart of the city. It looks great, staff are knowledgeable and there is a warm welcome for customers.”
Stirling Postmaster, Hithendra Cheetirala, said: “I was very keen to take on Stirling as I recognised the need for a branch in this city centre. People keep coming into the branch to say ‘thank you for saving Stirling Post Office’. We thank them and say please show your appreciation by using this branch and shop.
“There was a lot of hassle finding suitable, affordable premises, and I wanted it to be on the ground floor. Then I found here. I’m very happy with this high street location, which was the perfect size. It looks really good on the inside and outside and it is well stocked with stationery, gifts, cards and with printing services available. It’s easily accessible and customers are very happy with how the premises looks. There’s a real buzz of excitement.”
The opening hours are Monday to Friday: 9am – 5.30pm; Saturday: 10am – 1pm.
The new branch is located approximately 500 metres away from the previous branch. There is time restricted pay and display parking and dedicated disabled parking nearby. There is also public transport available to and from the surrounding areas.
Ian Duncan, Post Office Retail Change Lead, said: “We know how important a Post Office is to a community and we are delighted to have quickly restored Post Office services to the community in this wonderful-looking new shop.”
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About the Post Office
- With over 11,500 branches, Post Office has the biggest retail network in the UK, with more branches than all the banks and building societies combined.
- Post Office is helping anyone who wants cash to get it whichever way is most convenient. Partnership with over 30 banks, building societies and credit unions means that 99% of UK bank customers can access their accounts at their Post Office.
- Cash withdrawals, deposits and balance enquiries can be made securely and conveniently over the counter at any Post Office; and the biggest investment by any organisation or company in the last decade is being made to safeguard 1,400 free-to-use ATMs across the UK.
- Post Office is simplifying its proposition for Postmasters with a focus on its cash and banking; mails and parcels; foreign exchange; and; bill payments services.
- Research has found that visits to the Post Office help drive another 400 million visitors to other shops, restaurants and local businesses equating to an estimated £1.1 billion in additional revenue for High Street businesses.
- 99.7% of the population live within three miles of a Post Office; and 4,000 branches are open seven days a week.
